Gold Fuels Pawn Shop Boom

KPLC TV News is reporting that the high price of gold has local pawn shops booming, as more people dig through their jewelry boxes for gold items they can trade or sell for cash. The Lake Charles news team interviewed a local pawn shop owner who says more customers are finding gold and pawn shops a great combination, especially since it’s hard to get fast cash from banks and other lending institutions.

“A lot people have single earrings, broken rings or necklaces that they’re not going to repair,” said the pawnbroker. “With the record price of gold now, a lot of times they’re pleasantly surprise with how much they can get for it.” He also advised customers to go local when you put your gold items on the market.

Many people are also mailing in their gold to companies who advertise frequently on television. Recently several of these businesses have come under intense scrutiny. New York Congressman Anthony Weiner (D-NY) has even called for the Federal Trade Commission to look into one company’s “deceptive practices,” after hearing several complaints from sellers who say the company didn’t give them the promised price for their gold.

And all experts agree (including us at the San Diego Luxury Pawn Shop Report) that before selling or trading to any gold buyer, consumers should get several quotes from different brokers.